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Definitions

on all fours

ADJECTIVE
creeping
Synonyms
STRONGEST
dragging
STRONG
crawling groveling hobbling inching quailing shambling shuffling skulking slinking slithering sneaking squirming worming wriggling writhing
WEAK
barely moving moving slowly
Antonyms
WEAK
standing upright vertical

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I went in probably on all fours just because I was tired.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

The agile robot dog springs up on all fours, takes a step forward and charges at the tense crowd at a Tokyo exhibit, held back by a simple yet strong metal chain.

From Barron's • Jan. 30, 2026

Although its limbs were not preserved, the researchers believe it moved on all fours, similar to related species.

From Science Daily • Nov. 12, 2025

The Durham pair added 37 from 31 balls before Stokes charged at Noman, comically flung his bat into the leg side and was left on all fours as wicketkeeper Muhammad Rizwan removed the bails.

From BBC • Oct. 18, 2024

We crept into the drawing room on all fours, not easy in these skirts.

From "Secrets at Sea" by Richard Peck